【Abstract】Objective To explore the dynamic expression of TNF-α and VEGF in the development of esophageal varices in rats with portal hypertension. Methods Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group. In the experimental group, a two-stage ligation of portal vein plus ligation of the left adrenal vein was performed.After establishment of the model, the expression of TNF-α、VEGF and PCNA in the lower esophagus was detected with immunohistochemical SP technique on 7 d、14 d、21 d and comparision of these data with control group was performed respectively. In the control group, a sham-operation was performed, was also divided.Results The portal venous pressure in the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control, so did the vessel number and the total vascular area of the submucosal veins in the lower esophagus. Compared with the control subgroups, the expression of TNF-α and VEGF on the 21 d subgroup was ber, while PCNA was ber on the 14 d and 21 d. Conclusion In the development of esophageal varices of portal hypertension, VEGF possibly plays a role in the varices developemt, and TNF-α may be responsible for the damage of esophageal mucosa.